Clinical implementation of partial splenic artery embolization for the prevention of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices in portal hypertension

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of PSAE for secondary prevention of VB episodes in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and CSPH. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty patients (from 2008 to 2020) were submitted of PSAE as secondary prevention treatment. The results of the treatment of 27 patients between 2008 and 2012 (first period) were compared with those of 93 patients treated with PSAE since 2013 (second period), as procedure and management protocol were modificated. VB recurrence rate and mortality (related and non-related to bleeding episodes) were defined as study end-points in both groups at 12-months follow-up. Results: At 12-months follow-up, 11 (40,7 %) and 54 (58,1 %) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively, were free from VBs (p=0,129). Overall mortality rate was significantly higher in group 1, as compared to group 2: 10 (37,0 %) versus 6 (6,4 %) patients, respectively (p<0,001), − due to higher frequency of fatal VB events (7 (26,0 %) vs. 3 (3,2 %) patients, respectively; p=0,001). Conclusions: PSAE is an effective treatment for secondary prevention of VB in patients with CLD and CSPS. The management protocol modification resulted in the decrease in overall mortality rate and mortality related to recurrent VB episodes.